Disused land fund set at £50m

The Scottish Government has dedicated £50 million to help bring disused land back in to use.

Thousands of hectares of vacant and derelict land across the country will be transformed through the new programme over the next five years.

The investment will help to meet climate change targets and promote the health, wellbeing, and resilience of communities.

It follows the recommendations from the Vacant and Derelict Land Taskforce and supports a fair, green recovery, as set out in the Scottish Government’s Climate Change Plan update.

Sites that will benefit from the funding will offer opportunities for reuse that help tackle climate change, such as: low carbon, quality, affordable housing; woodland and other greenspaces; low carbon commercial and industrial developments; flood prevention measures; district heating; and other community renewables projects.

Communities Secretary Aileen Campbell said: “This new programme will help transform Scotland’s vacant and derelict land as part of a green recovery that supports communities.

“Scotland currently has more than 11,000 hectares of registered vacant and derelict land which offers significant potential to be brought back to positive use .

“By prioritising such sites, and protecting our existing natural capital, we will ensure that future infrastructure investment goes into areas where it is needed the most, revitalising communities, town centres, and promoting 20 minute neighbourhoods.

“The policies and proposals in the Climate Change Plan update set us on the right path to deliver our netzero target by 2045. Importantly, it highlights the need for a place-based approach, with the involvement of communities and individuals, to get us there.”